Those lobbying for rule changes to reinvigorate gaelic football seem justified on the basis of a farcical passage of play in a Derry Championship match on the weekend.

Football's product has come under the spotlight after this summer's All-Ireland Championship was laced with a series of low-scoring matches whose drabness was only emphasised by one of the best hurling championships in living memory.

Possession has become king for many football sides and this was depressingly evident in one of the most conservative periods of play you will ever see between Ulster champions Slaughtneil and Magherafelt on Sunday.

Slaughtneil were 0-4 to 0-3 ahead approaching half-time when they proceeded to pass the ball around their own half unopposed as Magherafelt backed off and refused to engage.

It got to a stage where Padraig Cassidy was allowed to solo the ball to himself for what seemed like an eternity.

The boring spectacle prompted fan to start booing with one spectator shouting "play football" in a scene that will add fuel to fire for those wanting the rule makers to take action.

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